Offset Patio Umbrella Winch
Umbrella winches are the part of the patio umbrella that raises and lowers the canopies. These winch systems are also used on sailboats. Most people do not even think that maintenance is required on the winches of side arm umbrellas alike sailboats. Servicing winches is a messy job. But, the winch mechanism is one of the most expensive items of your cantilever umbrella, so it needs to be taken care of!
First you must disassemble the side arm umbrella winch. Remove the drum from the base of the winch using the screw at the bottom. Unscrew it, pull the socket out, and the drum can be lifted off. Now comes the messy part! Remove all the winch gears and bearings. Remember, you will be putting this back together, so if you have a good memory try to remember where everything goes. But I recommend, using a camera and taking multiple pictures of the winch prior to cleaning this will ensure that everything is put back to its original place.
Place the gears and bearings in a small can or bucket and then add mineral spirits to the can and soak the gears and bearings. After allowing them to thoroughly soak, take a small brush and brush off any remaining stubborn old grease from the parts. Do not forget to rinse the parts in hot water! As leaving the mineral spirits on will break down the new grease you will put on! Dry the parts with a clean rag to remove any excess water.
As you put the gears back into place, take a close look at how the pawls are working. If they don’t open and close smoothly, then the drum could spin backwards.
Then piece all the winch parts back into the casing. This is where your photo could come in handy. Lightly brush on clean winch grease. Do not over grease ! You will have a big mess on your hands!
The only thing left to do is remount your patio umbrella winch and re feed your wire! And you did it, you have successfully maintained your cantilever umbrella winch!